Chapter 11

Jane

The theatre was full and hot, and it made Jane even more anxious than she already was. Their uncle took the lead and started to get through the mass of people. Jane looked around, the theatre was beautiful and the people there were exquisitely dressed, but she was relieved to see that they did not stand out for the quality of their clothing, quite the opposite. It is true that their dresses were simpler and that they were not as overly done as many of the women but Jane felt they looked as elegant as any women in the theatre. They made to their seats at the orchestra, as the boxes were reserved for the aristocracy or very wealthy gentry. Still, they were very good seats with a great view. She sat in the aisle with Lizzy next to her, who could barely contain her excitement.

"Have you seen anyone familiar?"

"No, why? Have you?"

"No, it's just that you have been looking around everywhere intensely since we have arrived. You have barely relaxed. It has been years since we have been to the opera and you do not seem excited, so I was wondering if you had seen someone."

"I was just observing the theatre, it is very beautiful."

"It is, but Jane, I know you worry about meeting Mr. Bingley or Miss Bingley, but you shouldn't let them stop you from enjoying the opera."

"You are correct. I haven't seen them anyhow. So let's enjoy it." Lizzy gave her a smile and looked forward to the stage, but Jane still had this feeling that something was going to happen.

The curtain was raised and the opera started. Slowly the tension in her body faded and she let herself be taken in by the music. The performance was superb and Jane felt very moved by the music. The opera was about pain and betrayal, and while Jane could not understand the words, Jane had read in advance what the story of the opera was about and the feelings expressed in the songs didn't need translation. She felt as if her pain was being expressed in the stage, after Mr. Bingley's betrayal she had cried and hidden but the needs of her family had made her put a stop to her mourning earlier that she needed. Tears started to pour down her eyes and she felt the pain she had hidden in her heart pour out. As much as it hurt Jane, it felt that she was releasing it and that her heart would be better afterward. She suddenly felt her sisters hand take hers, she looked at Lizzy and she could see the compassion in her eyes and a handkerchief stretched out towards her. She took the handkerchief and held Lizzy's hand tighter as she looked back towards the opera.

When the curtain went down for the break Jane felt liberated but a bit vulnerable. They stood up to go and get some refreshments and move around a bit. It was decided that Uncle Gardiner would wait for them with their refreshments while the women went to the powder room to refresh themselves. Lizzy could not stop talking about the opera while aunt Gardiner listened to her with patience, although she had clearly enjoyed it as well. Jane was so distracted by what she had felt that she wasn't listening to them or looking where she was walking and she suddenly crashed into someone. Jane was absolutely mortified when she realized she had crashed into a very well dressed gentleman who had to hold her arm so she didn't fall down.

"I am so sorry sir. I was not looking where I was going. I am so mortified." Lizzy and her aunt went to her to see if she was alright.

"No hard done Miss, I am well, are you?" It was then when Jane looked at him. He was tall and looked like he was in his early 30s, but what really struck her is how big and handsome he was. He was tall and broad, with pitch back hair and dark eyes, and Jane had never been so struck by a man before. It took her a few seconds to get her bearings back.

"Yes sir, again, I am sorry, I was so moved by the performance that my mind was elsewhere and I was not paying attention." He gave her a smile, Jane relaxed, he did not look offended.

"No need to apologize again Miss–" he looked at her expectantly.

"Miss Jane Bennet, and these are my aunt Mrs. Gardiner and my younger sister Miss Elizabeth."

"Pleased to meet you, I am Adam Harrington." Aunt Gardiner moved to come to Jane's aid.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well. Thank you for ensuring Jane did not fall but unfortunately, we have to get moving, my husband will be waiting for us and we have to go to the powder room which I'm sure will be full if we do not move fast."

"Of course, maybe we will see each other after the opera." As they left Jane looked back, and Mr. Harrigtons eyes looked back at her, he just stood there watching her leave. She turned back abruptly but his face watching her remained in her head, even after they made their way back to her uncle. She didn't truly wake up from her haze until she heard a familiar voice next to her.

"Jane Bennet, is that you?" She tensed and turned slowly, and just as she had feared there was Miss Bingley looking at her with Mrs. Hursts. Elizabeth moved to flank her on one side and her aunt an uncle on the other.

"Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hursts what a surprise." Miss Bingley looked at her with a false friendly face, that managed to be cold at the same time.

"It is our great surprise, we had no idea that you were here in London and with Miss Eliza. Are these your aunt an uncle from Cheapside." She said it emphasizing Cheapside, as if it was a dirty word.

"Yes, my aunt and uncle Gardiner." They all greeted each other, but Jane had a feeling this was not going to end here.

"I am surprised to see you here Jane, I never received a response to my letter."

"I did not believe there was anything to respond to." She responded.

Elizabeth gave her a look before jumping to her aid. "How is your brother? Is Mr. Bingley here?"

"Charles? No, he is not much for the opera. He is dining with Mr. Darcy and dear Georgiana. He has spent so much time with them, its like he has forgotten his own sisters. But I cannot blame him, with such wonderful company, Georgiana is so darling I truly cannot wait for the day I can call her more than a friend." Jane now could realize she was doing it to taunt and discourage her, and while she had no wish to reunite with Mr. Bingley such an attack did hurt her and Miss Bingley was clearly just getting started. "So are you enjoying the opera? I hope you can see well from the orchestra seats?"

"How did you know we were seated there?" Lizzy responded.

"It is the only seats that are available for sale, the boxes are reserved for high-class people and their friends."

"And you clearly know all their friends do you Miss Bingley." The voice came from behind Miss Bingley and Mrs. Husts surprising them all. When Miss Bingley turned to look Jane could see the mystery person. There in all his glory was Mr. Harrington, who Miss Bingley clearly recognized as well.

"Mr. Harrington!"

"Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hursts, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner." He clearly was making a show of greeting everyone without needing an introduction. Elizabeth and her aunt an uncle recognized this and greeted him back. Miss Bingley looked at all of them in shock.

"I did not know you all knew each other." Miss Bingley said in a polite tone, clearly not wanting to offend Mr. Harrington.

"There are many things you do not know Miss Bingley." Miss Bingley's face turned red at his cutting remark, she opened her mouth to say something but Mrs. Husts took a hold of her.

"It has been lovely to meet you all, but we have to get back to our friends." They said their goodbye and left.

Jane looked at Mr. Harrington who approached them.

"It seems we meet earlier than expected."

"Thank you for the intervention Mr. Harrington. I am curious as to why you did it." Jane was glad that Lizzy was talking as Jane seemed quite incapable of forming words.

"I am familiar with Miss Bingley, Miss Elizabeth. While she has always been extremely polite with me I have seen her methods and let's just say I do not approve. I heard most of the conversation and I decided to interfere. I hope I did not cause offense." Uncle Gardiner moved forward and hold out his hand to shake his.

"Not at all, sir. I am Mr. Gardiner, my wife explained how you all met, its good to be able to put a face to the name. The conversation was not going well so I am glad for your interference. Do you wish to join us for some refreshments?"

"I would love to, but if you prefer we could go someplace where we won't be interrupted by people. I came today with a friend and after he saw some other close friends he abandoned me to join them so my box is now empty. It has a great view and enough space for four more people." Everyone seemed very pleased with the idea, so it was decided that they followed him to his box.